Episode 30

• Everyone Has a Story to Tell: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the world of memoir writing with Robin Schepper, author of Finding My Way: A Memoir of Family, Identity, & Political Ambition. Whether you're considering writing a memoir or already on your journey, this episode offers valuable tips and processes to help you tell your unique story with authenticity and impact.

If the thought of writing a memoir intrigues you, this episode will inspire you to take the next step in your journey. Robin Schepper’s insights into the memoir writing process will encourage you to explore your own story, embrace your unique experiences, and share them with the world. Whether you’re writing for yourself, your family, or a broader audience, this episode provides the tools and motivation you need to start telling your story today.

A QUICK LOOK AT MOVIES, BOOKS, and COURSES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• What’s Your Story, a Memoir-Writing course (https://writersparkwritingacademy.teachable.com/p/writing-your-memoir-master-class)

• Writing a Memoir Tips

Resources

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Note: Some links may be affiliates which means I may earn a small commission. This doesn't affect you at all.

Episode 29

• Mastering the Art of Beginnings: In this craft-focused episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we explore different techniques for starting your book, scene, or chapter. The way you open your story can set the tone for the entire narrative, making it crucial to choose the right approach. We delve into two popular methods: starting in media res (in the middle of the action) and beginning with a wide-lens view that establishes the world and setting before zooming in on the characters and plot.

The opening of your story is your first opportunity to hook your readers and set the tone for what’s to come. By experimenting with different techniques like in media res and wide-lens beginnings, you can create powerful openings that immediately engage your audience. This episode will inspire you to think critically about how you start your chapters and scenes, giving you the tools to make your writing more dynamic and effective.

• Star Wars, Episode  IV

Murder in Devil's Cove (Pippin Lane Hawthorne) (https://amzn.to/3raRg0q)

• How to Begin Your Book or Scene

Resources

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Note: Some of the links here may be affiliates so I may earn a small amount from them. This doesn't impact you at all.

Episode 28

• Unlocking the Science of Writing: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we delve into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and storytelling. Inspired by Bill Birchard’s groundbreaking book Writing for Impact: 8 Secrets from Science to Fire Up Your Readers’ Brain, we explore how understanding the science behind how the brain processes information can transform your writing and captivate your readers.

• Keep it Simple: Learn why simplicity is key to ensuring that your message is easily understood and remembered by your readers.

Seeing your writing through the lens of neuroscience can open up new possibilities for how you approach your craft. Bill Birchard’s Writing for Impact offers a fresh perspective on what makes writing compelling by tapping into the fundamental desires of the human brain. This episode will inspire you to apply these science-backed secrets to your own work, helping you create stories that not only engage but also resonate deeply with your readers. If you’re ready to fire up your readers’ brains and elevate your writing, this episode is a must-listen!

Scroll Up and Press Play!

• Science-Backed Writing Secrets

• Writing for Impact, by Bill Birchard (https://amzn.to/3rt0PIg)

Book Magic Mysteries (Pippin Lane Hawthorne) (https://amzn.to/3raRg0q)

Resources

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyr

Episode 27

• The Art of Revision: Love it or hate it, revision is a crucial part of the writing process that can transform a good manuscript into a great one. In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, I’m sharing my tried-and-true method for revising your manuscript like a boss. After writing more than 35 books, I’ve honed a four-step revision process that helps me streamline and elevate my writing, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Revision doesn’t have to be something you dread—it can be an opportunity to refine your story and make it shine. By following my four-step process, you’ll gain the tools and confidence you need to approach revision with a positive mindset. This episode will inspire you to see revision as a crucial part of the creative process, one that allows you to bring out the best in your writing. So, if you’re ready to revise your manuscript like a boss, tune in and start refining your work today!

• Revising Your Manuscript Like a Boss

• Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert (https://amzn.to/3NZ3pys)

Resources

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Just a quick note to say that this post includes affiliate links. That means if you click the link to purchase the product listed, I may receive a commission for sharing this with you, but it won't cost you more. 

Episode 26

• The Challenge of Introducing Your Protagonist: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we tackle the crucial craft topic of how to effectively introduce your protagonist in your book. The way you introduce your main character can set the tone for your entire story, making it essential to get it right. I’m joined by author Zara Altair, who shares her insights on creating compelling introductions that draw readers in from the very first page.

Introducing your protagonist can be one of the most challenging aspects of writing a novel, but it’s also one of the most important. This episode will inspire you to experiment with different techniques for bringing your main character onto the page, whether through a glimpse of their ordinary world or by diving straight into the action. With Zara Altair’s expert advice, you’ll gain the confidence to craft an introduction that hooks readers and sets the stage for a memorable story.

• The Challenge of Introducing Your Protagonist: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we tackle the crucial craft topic of how to effectively introduce your protagonist in your book. The way you introduce your main character can set the tone for your entire story, making it essential to get it right. I’m joined by author Zara Altair, who shares her insights on creating compelling introductions that draw readers in from the very first page.

Introducing your protagonist can be one of the most challenging aspects of writing a novel, but it’s also one of the most important. This episode will inspire you to experiment with different techniques for bringing your main character onto the page, whether through a glimpse of their ordinary world or by diving straight into the action. With Zara Altair’s expert advice, you’ll gain the confidence to craft an introduction that hooks readers and sets the stage for a memorable story.

• How to Introduce Your Protagonist

• The Used Virgin, an Argolicus Mystery by Zara Altair

Scroll Up and Press Play!

• How to Introduce Your Protagonist

RESOURCES

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Episode 25

• Embracing Imperfection: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the powerful lesson of letting go of perfection in your writing. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that your work needs to be flawless from the start, but the truth is, everything can be revised, improved, and evolved. Embracing imperfection allows you to move forward in your creative journey without the fear of not being perfect right out of the gate.

Perfectionism and negative self-talk are two of the biggest obstacles writers face, but they don’t have to hold you back. This episode will inspire you to let go of the unrealistic expectation of perfection and instead focus on growth, learning, and the joy of creating. With the five hacks shared in this episode, you’ll have the tools you need to silence your inner critic and embrace your writing journey with confidence. Remember, everything you create can be revised and improved, so don’t let the fear of imperfection stop you from pursuing your passion.

Scroll Up and Press Play!

• Letting Go of Perfection in Writing

Resources

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Episode 24

• Mastering Finances as an Author: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we tackle a topic that many writers might shy away from—finances. Whether you’re just starting out or already have a few books under your belt, it’s never too early to start thinking about how to manage your financial life as an author. From tracking expenses to evaluating the most worthwhile investments, understanding your finances is crucial for building a sustainable writing career.

Finances may not be the most glamorous aspect of being an author, but they are essential for a successful and sustainable career. Kelsey Browning’s insights will inspire you to take a closer look at your financial practices and make informed decisions that will benefit your writing journey. Whether it’s setting up an LLC, managing multiple bank accounts, or cutting back on expenses, this episode provides the tools you need to handle your finances like a pro. So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready to ignite your WriterSpark!

Get my seven tips for an author's financial life HERE!

Scroll up & press play!

• Finances for Authors

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Episode 23

• Understanding Deep Point of View: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we delve into the powerful concept of Deep Point of View (DPOV) and how it can transform your fiction writing. Deep Point of View allows readers to experience the story directly through the character’s eyes, making your narrative more immersive and emotionally resonant. While it can be challenging to master, today’s episode breaks it down into four essential elements: Emotion, Thought, Action, and Decision.

Deep Point of View is a powerful tool that can take your fiction writing to new heights, but it’s also one that requires careful consideration and practice. By focusing on the four key elements—Emotion, Thought, Action, and Decision—you can bring your characters and their experiences to life in a way that captivates your readers. This episode will inspire you to experiment with Deep Point of View in your own writing, helping you create stories that resonate on a profound emotional level.

• Understanding Deep Point of View in Fiction

Scroll up & press play!

Resources

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Episode 22

"

• Exploring Different Perspectives in Writing: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the art and challenges of writing from a perspective that’s different from your own. Whether it’s writing from the viewpoint of a different gender, race, or ethnicity, crafting authentic characters requires understanding and empathy. Join me as I speak with John DeDakis, author of the Lark Chadwick mystery series, who shares his experience writing from the perspective of a 22-year-old woman.

Writing from a perspective that differs from your own can be a daunting task, but it’s also an opportunity to expand your understanding of the world and create more diverse and engaging stories. John DeDakis’s insights will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and explore new viewpoints in your writing. Whether you’re considering writing from a different gender perspective or tackling complex issues of race and ethnicity, this episode will encourage you to approach your characters with empathy, research, and a commitment to authenticity.

Scroll up & press play!

• Writing from a Different Perspective

• WriterSpark Online Courses: Learn more about our online courses! Enroll Now!

Thank you for listening!

Listen and Subscribe: Join us on this enlightening journey to rediscover your passion for writing by following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, or your favorite podcast platform. or wherever you listen. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you find our discussions helpful!

Connect with Us: 

1. Join the WriterSpark Community: Connect with fellow writers, share your progress, and get exclusive content by joining our Facebook Group.

Thank you for tuning in! Keep sparking your creativity and igniting your passion for writing. Happy writing!

Y'all, there are some great podcasts for writers out there. Check them out to continue learning:

Essential Guide to Writing a Novel with  James Thayer

Fiction Writing Made Easy Podcast with Savannah Gilbo

Master Fiction Writing with Stuart Wakefield

Writing Fiction 101 with A. N. Writer

Fiction Author Business School with Liesel K. Hill

The Shit No One Tells You About Writing with Bianca Marais, Carly Watters and CeCe Lyra

Episode 21

• Publishing Later in Life: In this episode of The WriterSpark Podcast, we dive into the unique experience of publishing your first book as an older author. Publishing is a tough industry at any age, but with age comes wisdom, experience, and perspective that can deeply enrich your writing. I had the pleasure of speaking with Martha Anne Toll, whose award-winning book Three Muses was published when she was 64 years old.

If you’ve ever felt that it’s too late to pursue your dream of becoming a published author, this episode will inspire you to think again. Martha Anne Toll’s story is a testament to the idea that age is just a number, and that with the wisdom and experience of age, you can create deeply meaningful and impactful work. Whether you’re just starting out or have been writing for years, Martha’s journey will motivate you to keep pursuing your passion, no matter where you are in life.

• Publishing Your First Book Later in Life